Why does 'import mysql.connector' Work in Interpreter but Not in Python Script?

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The Common Scenario

You open your Python interpreter and type:

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Everything works perfectly fine. No errors. But when you run the exact same line in your Python script, you get:
ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'mysql'

Possible Reasons and Solutions

Different Python Environments

The primary culprit is usually different Python environments. When you install a module using pip install mysql-connector-python, it installs the package to the environment that pip is associated with. Here are a few pointers to identify and fix this issue:

Check the Interpreter:
Ensure that the Python interpreter running your script is the same as the one in your terminal. You can verify this by executing:

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And comparing it with the shebang line (if any) in your script.

Virtual Environments:
If you are using virtual environments, make sure you have activated the correct one:

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Then, ensure that mysql-connector-python is installed in this environment:

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IDE Configuration:
Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) like PyCharm or VSCode might be configured to use a different interpreter. Ensure that your IDE uses the correct one by adjusting the settings.

Path Issues

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Ensure that the path where mysql-connector-python is installed appears in both lists.

Permissions

Sometimes, permission issues can prevent your script from accessing the installed module. Ensure that the installation is done in a directory accessible by your user.

Reinstalling the Module

If all else fails, try reinstalling mysql-connector-python. Sometimes, a clean installation can resolve unexplained glitches:

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Conclusion

Happy coding!